Bariloche is one of the largest tourist destinations in Argentina and can be enjoyed in every season of the year. Visiting Bariloche in winter is ideal for those who enjoy snow sports, but there are also many other activities to do during this season. In this post you’ll learn about the best things to do in Bariloche in winter.
The best things to do in winter in Bariloche
Winter in Bariloche is the high season (June to September). People from all over the world and the country visit the city during winter to go skiing or snowboarding. Although this is the main activity during winter, Bariloche has many other activities. From walks and outdoor activities, to spa and gourmet stays. This lists include a selection of what I consider the best activities in Bariloche during winter.
1. Skiing in Bariloche – Cerro Catedral
Of course the main activity in Bariloche is practicing snow sports such as skiing or snowboarding.
Cerro Catedral is located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, 19 km from the city of Bariloche and is the most important ski center in South America. It is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world every winter season. The ski center has a height of 2388 meters above sea level. and has about 2,000 skiable hectares with more than 70 slopes for all levels.
If you don’t want to ski, you can still climb Cerro Catedral as a pedestrian to admire the incredible views.
If your plan is to ski at Cerro Catedral I recommend that you read my guide on skiing in Bariloche.
2. Bariloche city center
Another must-see on a trip to Bariloche is taking a tour of the city center.The Civic Center is the most popular area of downtown Bariloche with the most important buildings in the city such as the municipality or the library.
Another popular activity in the center is to walk along the waterfront that borders Lake Nahuel Huapi and visit the Nuestra Señora del Nahuel Huapi Cathedral. Calle Mitre is the most commercial street in the center.
3. Visiting Cerro Otto
Cerro Otto is located 5 km from the city of Bariloche and is known for the rotating confectionery that is located on its top. This cafe has a circular shape and rotates constantly allowing you to see 360º of one of the best panoramic views of Bariloche while you enjoy a hot drink.
There’s a cable car that takes you to the top of Cerro Otto, you can book it here.
In addition to having a coffee at the famous cafe, Cerro Otto offers activities such as sledding, snowshoeing, zip lining and more.
4. Visting Cerro Campanario
Climbing Cerro Campanario is one of the best things to do in Bariloche at any time of the year since it has the best view of Bariloche. From its summit you can see Lake Nahuel Huapi and Moreno, Cerro Otto and Cerro Catedral, among others.
You can go up by chairlift, the ticket is purchased at the base of the hill and it is not necessary to book in advance.
Cerro Campanario is located at km 17.5 of Exequiel Bustillo Avenue. You can get there by car, bus, taxi or in a tour.
5. Circuito Chico
Another great activty in Bariloche in winter is touring the Circuito Chico, a route with spectacular views that can be done by car, bike or tour and that passes through different important points where you can appreciate the nature of the place. If you are lucky to see these snowy landscapes it is a dream!
The route is approximately 60 kilometers and crosses the Nahuel Huapi National Park and the Llao Llao Municipal Park. Some of the most important points to stop at on the Circuito Chico are: Villa Tacul, Hotel Llao Llao, Puerto Pañuelo, Bahía López, Lago Moreno, Lago Escondido and Punto Panoramico .
Book your tour to Circuito Chico here
6. Visiting Piedras Blancas
Visiting the Piedras Blancas is one of the best things to do in Bariloche in winter. Piedras Blancas is a park of winter activities where the main attraction is the sleigh tracks.
The winter park is located on the eastern slope of Cerro Otto and has 5 sledding tracks. To access the slopes you take a chairlift that is included in the price of the visit, as well as one sled per person. Check the rates and activities on the official Piedras Blancas website.
7. Spa at Hotel Llao Llao
If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, there is no better place than the Llao Llao Hotel. This is the most famous and luxurious hotel in all of Bariloche. The location of the hotel is unique so it is really a place to go to rest and enjoy this special place with so much history. The hotel has a spa, swimming pools, restaurants, golf course, etc.
Even if you are not staying at the hotel, you can still reserve a spa day that includes access to the hotel’s pool, gym and sauna.
Click here to see photos and prices for Llao Llao Hotel
8. Eat chocolate and drink tea
Bariloche is famous for its chocolates factories. And I really can’t think of a better plan than having a hot chocolate or drink while watching the snow fall outside. You will see that the city center is full of chocolate shops. My favorites and the ones I recommend you visit are Rapanui and Mamushka.
Another of the best things to do in Bariloche in winter is to have tea and eat the best cakes and scones in a traditional tea house. Some of the best are: tea at Hotel Llao Llao, Bellevue, Chiado and Equs.
9. Bosque de Arrayanes Tour
One of the most popular tours in Bariloche is Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest. It is a boat excursion that starts at Puerto Pañuelo in Bariloche.
Arrayanes Forests takes its name from the typical trees of this region of Argentina. Victoria Island is a small island with unique landscape. It is a natural reserve containing a great variety of local flora and fauna.
10. San Martín de los Andes day trip
Finally, you can take a tour to the city of San Martín de los Andes, located in the southwest of the province of Neuquén, on Lake Lácar. It is almost 4 hours by car from Bariloche so it is best to stay overnight at least one night.
In San Martín de los Andes is the Chapelco ski center, which is also very famous and visited by all snow sports fans in the world.
I hope this complete guide on things to do in Bariloche in winter has been useful to you. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments!
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